Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
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Displaying 61 - 72 of 92
Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $1,500
Unsold
Letter (6 lines) handwritten and signed by R. Yitzchak Ze'ev HaLevi Soloveitchik Rabbi of Brisk. Brisk (Brest), Iyar, 1928.
Addressed to the Brisker Relief Committee in the United States. The letter acknowledges the receipt of Kimcha DePischa funds for the destitute and for the rabbis of the city: "As a sign and proof for the delegates of the Brisker Relief in New York… that we received from you for the distribution of Matzot for the poor and Torah scholars the sum of… 1850 dollars. Thus, each rabbi here received from you, each person according to the amount determined by the delegates, the sum of… 375 dollars… so says Yitzchak Ze'ev son of R. Chaim HaLevi Soloveitchik".
The Brisker Rov - R. Yitzchak Ze'ev Soloveitchik (1886-1959), son of R. Chaim HaLevi of Brisk, and grandson of the Beit HaLevi. Already at a young age, still in his father's lifetime, he was considered one of the prominent Torah leaders of the generation. In 1918 (at the age of 31), he succeeded his forefathers as rabbi of Brisk, and with his Torah authority, he governed all religious matters in his city and the entire region. He managed to escape the Holocaust together with some of his children and immigrated to Jerusalem, where he reestablished his yeshiva. His authority was recognized by the entire Torah world in Eretz Israel and abroad.
[1] leaf. 21 cm. Good-fair condition. Leaf torn in half at middle fold (beneath conclusion of letter). At the foot of the letter, handwritten inscriptions from the members of the committee in the U.S. (recipients of the letter).
This letter was hitherto unknown, and is not included in the Igrot Maran R. Y.Z. HaLevi anthology (Jerusalem, 2008).
Addressed to the Brisker Relief Committee in the United States. The letter acknowledges the receipt of Kimcha DePischa funds for the destitute and for the rabbis of the city: "As a sign and proof for the delegates of the Brisker Relief in New York… that we received from you for the distribution of Matzot for the poor and Torah scholars the sum of… 1850 dollars. Thus, each rabbi here received from you, each person according to the amount determined by the delegates, the sum of… 375 dollars… so says Yitzchak Ze'ev son of R. Chaim HaLevi Soloveitchik".
The Brisker Rov - R. Yitzchak Ze'ev Soloveitchik (1886-1959), son of R. Chaim HaLevi of Brisk, and grandson of the Beit HaLevi. Already at a young age, still in his father's lifetime, he was considered one of the prominent Torah leaders of the generation. In 1918 (at the age of 31), he succeeded his forefathers as rabbi of Brisk, and with his Torah authority, he governed all religious matters in his city and the entire region. He managed to escape the Holocaust together with some of his children and immigrated to Jerusalem, where he reestablished his yeshiva. His authority was recognized by the entire Torah world in Eretz Israel and abroad.
[1] leaf. 21 cm. Good-fair condition. Leaf torn in half at middle fold (beneath conclusion of letter). At the foot of the letter, handwritten inscriptions from the members of the committee in the U.S. (recipients of the letter).
This letter was hitherto unknown, and is not included in the Igrot Maran R. Y.Z. HaLevi anthology (Jerusalem, 2008).
Category
Letters - Lithuanian, Polish and Eretz Israeli Rabbis
Catalogue
Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $1,500
Unsold
The draft of a telegram which R. Yitzchak Ze'ev Soloveitchik - the Brisker Rov, handwrote and signed himself, to be copied and sent as a telegram to the U.S. Jerusalem, ca. 1940s -1950s.
The telegram is addressed to Agudath HaRabbanim in the United States, and contains an appeal to assist the Etz Chaim yeshiva in Jerusalem: "We ask you to offer your full assistance to raise funds for the prominent Etz Chaim yeshiva, an institution of Torah and fear of G-d, in our holy city, which is now in dire straits and in a very difficult situation. Soloveitchik".
Enclosed with the draft handwritten by the Brisker Rov is the original telegram form, with a typewritten romanization of his letter. On the verso of the form, address of sender: "HaRav Soloveitchik, Press St. 3, Jerusalem".
The Brisker Rov - R. Yitzchak Ze'ev Soloveitchik (1886-1959), son of R. Chaim HaLevi of Brisk, and grandson of the Beit HaLevi. Already at a young age, still in his father's lifetime, he was considered one of the prominent Torah leaders of the generation. In 1918 (at the age of 31), he succeeded his forefathers as rabbi of Brisk, and with his Torah authority, he governed all religious matters in his city and the entire region. He managed to escape the Holocaust together with some of his children and immigrated to Jerusalem, where he reestablished his yeshiva. His authority was recognized by the entire Torah world in Eretz Israel and abroad.
[1] leaf. Approx. 8.5X17.5 cm. Good condition. + Official form of the Israel Post. 13X20.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Light marginal wear.
The telegram is addressed to Agudath HaRabbanim in the United States, and contains an appeal to assist the Etz Chaim yeshiva in Jerusalem: "We ask you to offer your full assistance to raise funds for the prominent Etz Chaim yeshiva, an institution of Torah and fear of G-d, in our holy city, which is now in dire straits and in a very difficult situation. Soloveitchik".
Enclosed with the draft handwritten by the Brisker Rov is the original telegram form, with a typewritten romanization of his letter. On the verso of the form, address of sender: "HaRav Soloveitchik, Press St. 3, Jerusalem".
The Brisker Rov - R. Yitzchak Ze'ev Soloveitchik (1886-1959), son of R. Chaim HaLevi of Brisk, and grandson of the Beit HaLevi. Already at a young age, still in his father's lifetime, he was considered one of the prominent Torah leaders of the generation. In 1918 (at the age of 31), he succeeded his forefathers as rabbi of Brisk, and with his Torah authority, he governed all religious matters in his city and the entire region. He managed to escape the Holocaust together with some of his children and immigrated to Jerusalem, where he reestablished his yeshiva. His authority was recognized by the entire Torah world in Eretz Israel and abroad.
[1] leaf. Approx. 8.5X17.5 cm. Good condition. + Official form of the Israel Post. 13X20.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Light marginal wear.
Category
Letters - Lithuanian, Polish and Eretz Israeli Rabbis
Catalogue
Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $1,000
Sold for: $1,875
Including buyer's premium
Two items handwritten by R. Eliyahu Eliezer Dessler:
• Lengthy and interesting letter, in his handwriting and with his signature. Bnei Brak, Elul 1949. The letter describes the difficulties involved in the move from England and his acclimation to Eretz Israel. R. Dessler describes the high spiritual level of the Ponovezh yeshiva, how talented the students are, their exceptional diligence and engagement in the topics being studied, and the great satisfaction this causes him. Further in the letter, he conveys his hesitation regarding a different position, offered to him by R. Avraham Kalmanowitz, to disseminate Torah in the United States: "…I received a letter from R. Kalmanowitz, perhaps I will nonetheless return to America to be involved in the yeshiva, obviously at the moment, it is impractical to go from here to there…". He concludes the letter with many blessings for the new year "…a year of growth of the spirit, a year of growth in Torah and mitzvot, a year of true redemption and salvation, that is complete repentance, and may you merit all the goodness which follows in this world… Eli. Eliezer Dessler".
[1] leaf. 27 cm. 28 autograph lines. Thin paper. Good-fair condition. Creases. Minor tear, repaired with tape.
The letter was printed in the anthology of R. Dessler's letters (Sefer HaZikaron Michtav MeEliyahu, Bnei Brak, 2004, I, pp. 226-227).
• Manuscript (4 leaves) handwritten by R. Dessler, ethical-kabbalistic essay in several chapters, entitled "The Substance of Middot and Evil Inclination". [Bnei Brak, 1949]. This essay is one of the first discourses R. Dessler delivered in the Ponovezh yeshiva. It was published with many changes in Michtav M'Eliyahu (part V, pp. 90-95; part IV, p. 295), under the heading "The Nature of Middot and the Evil Inclination". One of the passages which were omitted when preparing the essay for print, is a passage relating to the analysis of Hitler's character traits, in which R. Dessler writes that Hitler, with all his arrogance, was so taken by his desires, that he did not realize how shameful and dishonorable his conduct was (in Michtav M'Eliyahu, the passage was printed with the omission of the example of Hitler's distasteful conduct).
[4] leaves. 27 cm. Thin paper. Fair condition. Wear and stains.
R. Eliyahu Eliezer Dessler (1892-1953), a leading producer of musar literature in our generation, and a descendant of R. Yisrael of Salant, founder of the Musar movement. A product of the Kelm yeshiva, he was the son-in-law of R. Nachum Ze'ev Ziv of Kelm. He arrived in England in 1927 and served as rabbi of Dalston, London. Among the founders of the Gateshead Kollel and of Torah institutes throughout England. In his later years, he served as mashgiach of the Ponevezh yeshiva in Bnei Brak. His profound lectures constructed upon the fundamentals of ethics, Kabbalah and Chassidism were published by his disciples in the book Sichot U'Ma'amarim, in the five volumes of Michtav Me'Eliyahu and in Sefer Zikaron Michtav Me'Eliyahu, which have become the basis for profound study of Musar in this generation.
• Lengthy and interesting letter, in his handwriting and with his signature. Bnei Brak, Elul 1949. The letter describes the difficulties involved in the move from England and his acclimation to Eretz Israel. R. Dessler describes the high spiritual level of the Ponovezh yeshiva, how talented the students are, their exceptional diligence and engagement in the topics being studied, and the great satisfaction this causes him. Further in the letter, he conveys his hesitation regarding a different position, offered to him by R. Avraham Kalmanowitz, to disseminate Torah in the United States: "…I received a letter from R. Kalmanowitz, perhaps I will nonetheless return to America to be involved in the yeshiva, obviously at the moment, it is impractical to go from here to there…". He concludes the letter with many blessings for the new year "…a year of growth of the spirit, a year of growth in Torah and mitzvot, a year of true redemption and salvation, that is complete repentance, and may you merit all the goodness which follows in this world… Eli. Eliezer Dessler".
[1] leaf. 27 cm. 28 autograph lines. Thin paper. Good-fair condition. Creases. Minor tear, repaired with tape.
The letter was printed in the anthology of R. Dessler's letters (Sefer HaZikaron Michtav MeEliyahu, Bnei Brak, 2004, I, pp. 226-227).
• Manuscript (4 leaves) handwritten by R. Dessler, ethical-kabbalistic essay in several chapters, entitled "The Substance of Middot and Evil Inclination". [Bnei Brak, 1949]. This essay is one of the first discourses R. Dessler delivered in the Ponovezh yeshiva. It was published with many changes in Michtav M'Eliyahu (part V, pp. 90-95; part IV, p. 295), under the heading "The Nature of Middot and the Evil Inclination". One of the passages which were omitted when preparing the essay for print, is a passage relating to the analysis of Hitler's character traits, in which R. Dessler writes that Hitler, with all his arrogance, was so taken by his desires, that he did not realize how shameful and dishonorable his conduct was (in Michtav M'Eliyahu, the passage was printed with the omission of the example of Hitler's distasteful conduct).
[4] leaves. 27 cm. Thin paper. Fair condition. Wear and stains.
R. Eliyahu Eliezer Dessler (1892-1953), a leading producer of musar literature in our generation, and a descendant of R. Yisrael of Salant, founder of the Musar movement. A product of the Kelm yeshiva, he was the son-in-law of R. Nachum Ze'ev Ziv of Kelm. He arrived in England in 1927 and served as rabbi of Dalston, London. Among the founders of the Gateshead Kollel and of Torah institutes throughout England. In his later years, he served as mashgiach of the Ponevezh yeshiva in Bnei Brak. His profound lectures constructed upon the fundamentals of ethics, Kabbalah and Chassidism were published by his disciples in the book Sichot U'Ma'amarim, in the five volumes of Michtav Me'Eliyahu and in Sefer Zikaron Michtav Me'Eliyahu, which have become the basis for profound study of Musar in this generation.
Category
Letters - Lithuanian, Polish and Eretz Israeli Rabbis
Catalogue
Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $400
Unsold
Printed Tena'im, Jerusalem: Katzburg, [1940s]. Filled-in by hand for the betrothal of the groom R. Gershon Arieli son of "R. Yitzchak Arieli", to the bride Chana Sara daughter of "R. Aharon Deutsch". Jerusalem, Adar 1945.
The names and details were filled-in in the beautiful handwriting of the Tzaddik of Jerusalem, R. Aryeh Levin, who also affixed his signature to the document, as witness: "Aryeh son of R. Binyamin".
The groom, R. Gershon Arieli (1921-1993), later one of the leading dayanim in Eretz Israel. He authored: Torat HaMelech and Ittur Bikurim on the Rambam. He was the son of R. Yitzchak Arieli, author of Einayim LaMishpat, founder and mashgiach of the Merkaz HaRav yeshiva.
The Tzaddik of Jerusalem, R. Aryeh Levin (1885-1969), outstanding in Torah and good deeds. Beloved by all and a friend to all, he was renowned for his commitment to charitable deeds, who participated wholeheartedly in the joyous occasions as well as difficulties of the Jewish people.
[1] leaf. 41.5 cm. Fair condition. Tears and adhesive tape repairs, wear.
The names and details were filled-in in the beautiful handwriting of the Tzaddik of Jerusalem, R. Aryeh Levin, who also affixed his signature to the document, as witness: "Aryeh son of R. Binyamin".
The groom, R. Gershon Arieli (1921-1993), later one of the leading dayanim in Eretz Israel. He authored: Torat HaMelech and Ittur Bikurim on the Rambam. He was the son of R. Yitzchak Arieli, author of Einayim LaMishpat, founder and mashgiach of the Merkaz HaRav yeshiva.
The Tzaddik of Jerusalem, R. Aryeh Levin (1885-1969), outstanding in Torah and good deeds. Beloved by all and a friend to all, he was renowned for his commitment to charitable deeds, who participated wholeheartedly in the joyous occasions as well as difficulties of the Jewish people.
[1] leaf. 41.5 cm. Fair condition. Tears and adhesive tape repairs, wear.
Category
Letters - Lithuanian, Polish and Eretz Israeli Rabbis
Catalogue
Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $300
Sold for: $525
Including buyer's premium
Letter (approx. 17 lines) handwritten and signed by R. Elazar Menachem Man Shach, dean of the Ponovezh yeshiva. Bnei Brak, Tevet 1974.
Recommendation to assist with wedding expenses, for "an elite, exceptionally G-d fearing and very modest Torah scholar, whose son is engaged to the daughter of a late Torah scholar… and therefore offer your generous support to this worthy cause… to make every effort to assist him…". R. Shach strongly recommends to philanthropists: "Lend your hand to offer generous support, since apart from the merit of helping a couple get married, this act entails support of a great Torah scholar".
R. Elazar Menachem Man Shach (1899-2001), was born in Lithuania and studied in his youth in the Ponovezh, Slabodka and Slutsk yeshivot. He served as dean of the Kletsk yeshiva in Poland, and of the Karlin yeshiva in Luninets. During the Holocaust, he immigrated to Eretz Israel where he was appointed dean of the Kletsk yeshiva in Rechovot. He later served as the dean of the Ponovezh yeshiva in Bnei Brak. A member and chairman of the Moetzet Gedolei HaTorah, he was the leader of Torah Jewry for decades.
[1] leaf, official stationery. 25 cm. Good condition. Minor stains and folding marks.
Recommendation to assist with wedding expenses, for "an elite, exceptionally G-d fearing and very modest Torah scholar, whose son is engaged to the daughter of a late Torah scholar… and therefore offer your generous support to this worthy cause… to make every effort to assist him…". R. Shach strongly recommends to philanthropists: "Lend your hand to offer generous support, since apart from the merit of helping a couple get married, this act entails support of a great Torah scholar".
R. Elazar Menachem Man Shach (1899-2001), was born in Lithuania and studied in his youth in the Ponovezh, Slabodka and Slutsk yeshivot. He served as dean of the Kletsk yeshiva in Poland, and of the Karlin yeshiva in Luninets. During the Holocaust, he immigrated to Eretz Israel where he was appointed dean of the Kletsk yeshiva in Rechovot. He later served as the dean of the Ponovezh yeshiva in Bnei Brak. A member and chairman of the Moetzet Gedolei HaTorah, he was the leader of Torah Jewry for decades.
[1] leaf, official stationery. 25 cm. Good condition. Minor stains and folding marks.
Category
Letters - Lithuanian, Polish and Eretz Israeli Rabbis
Catalogue
Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $500
Sold for: $813
Including buyer's premium
Letter handwritten and signed by R. Moshe Feinstein. [New York], Purim Katan 1959 [14th Adar I, February 1959].
Addressed to R. David Sharbani Rabbi of Bogota, Colombia, the letter concerns the relaying of a get to a woman in Colombia through an agent, from her husband living in Costa Rica who would be coming to New York. R. Moshe asks him to speed up the investigations on the matter, so that the relatives of the husband could bring him to New York to draw up a halachically acceptable get - "Therefore please let me know as soon as possible, since such matters need to be promptly carried out…".
R. Moshe Feinstein (1895-1986), foremost halachic authority in the United States. A leader of Orthodox Jewry, he served as president of the Union of Orthodox Rabbis of the United States and Canada, and chairman of the Moetzet Gedolei HaTorah. He was the dean of the Tiferet Yerushalayim yeshiva in New York. He authored Responsa Igrot Moshe, Dibrot Moshe - Talmudic novellae and Darash Moshe - novellae on the Torah.
[1] leaf, official stationery. 28 cm. Good condition. Minor stains.
Addressed to R. David Sharbani Rabbi of Bogota, Colombia, the letter concerns the relaying of a get to a woman in Colombia through an agent, from her husband living in Costa Rica who would be coming to New York. R. Moshe asks him to speed up the investigations on the matter, so that the relatives of the husband could bring him to New York to draw up a halachically acceptable get - "Therefore please let me know as soon as possible, since such matters need to be promptly carried out…".
R. Moshe Feinstein (1895-1986), foremost halachic authority in the United States. A leader of Orthodox Jewry, he served as president of the Union of Orthodox Rabbis of the United States and Canada, and chairman of the Moetzet Gedolei HaTorah. He was the dean of the Tiferet Yerushalayim yeshiva in New York. He authored Responsa Igrot Moshe, Dibrot Moshe - Talmudic novellae and Darash Moshe - novellae on the Torah.
[1] leaf, official stationery. 28 cm. Good condition. Minor stains.
Category
Letters - Lithuanian, Polish and Eretz Israeli Rabbis
Catalogue
Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $300
Sold for: $1,063
Including buyer's premium
Two letters from R. Yosef Dov HaLevi Soloveitchik of Boston, technical instructions pertaining to the printing and translation to Hebrew of his Tefilla UGeula series of articles. Addressed to R. Ben Tzion Gershuni, from the Department of Torah Culture of the Ministry of Education. [Boston], summer 1959.
1. Letter on official stationery, handwritten and signed by R. Soloveitchik. Iyar 1959.
Letter discussing the translation and editing of his prominent series of articles on Torah UGeulah, first published in the Jewish Morning Journal and HaTzofeh, to be published in Israel in Hebrew.
[1] leaf (2 written pages). 21 cm. Good condition. Stains. Folding marks.
2. Typewritten letter, on R. Soloveitchik's official stationery, with his handwritten signature, and his handwritten additions and emendations. Shevat 1959.
In the letter, R. Soloveitchik explains his delay in sending the articles: "It was not in my hands. My mother fell ill, and her weakness troubled me greatly, and did not leave me enough strength to delve into in-depth study properly, therefore I deferred writing time after time until her situation improved. Thank G-d, she is returning to her previous strength".
[1] leaf. 21 cm. Good condition. Stains. Folding mark.
R. Yosef Dov Soloveitchik (1903-1993), son of R. Moshe son of R. Chaim of Brisk. He served as rabbi of several prominent cities and communities in the United States, and was the dean of Yeshiva University in the US. Many books in Halacha, Aggadah and Jewish philosophy were published based on his writings and lectures. He was close in spirit to the yeshiva world, yet stood at the helm of Modern-Orthodox Jewry in the United States, and was very active in disseminating and presenting Judaism to American Jewry. Many thousands attended his lectures, and were greatly impacted by him. In his lifetime, he published two compositions which he authored: Halachic Man and The Lonely Man of Faith, but in his later years, and especially following his passing, many more books were published based on notes of his lectures. His profound philosophy served as an inspiration to many.
Enclosed: Two copies of letters from R. Ben Tzion Gershuni on this same matter.
1. Letter on official stationery, handwritten and signed by R. Soloveitchik. Iyar 1959.
Letter discussing the translation and editing of his prominent series of articles on Torah UGeulah, first published in the Jewish Morning Journal and HaTzofeh, to be published in Israel in Hebrew.
[1] leaf (2 written pages). 21 cm. Good condition. Stains. Folding marks.
2. Typewritten letter, on R. Soloveitchik's official stationery, with his handwritten signature, and his handwritten additions and emendations. Shevat 1959.
In the letter, R. Soloveitchik explains his delay in sending the articles: "It was not in my hands. My mother fell ill, and her weakness troubled me greatly, and did not leave me enough strength to delve into in-depth study properly, therefore I deferred writing time after time until her situation improved. Thank G-d, she is returning to her previous strength".
[1] leaf. 21 cm. Good condition. Stains. Folding mark.
R. Yosef Dov Soloveitchik (1903-1993), son of R. Moshe son of R. Chaim of Brisk. He served as rabbi of several prominent cities and communities in the United States, and was the dean of Yeshiva University in the US. Many books in Halacha, Aggadah and Jewish philosophy were published based on his writings and lectures. He was close in spirit to the yeshiva world, yet stood at the helm of Modern-Orthodox Jewry in the United States, and was very active in disseminating and presenting Judaism to American Jewry. Many thousands attended his lectures, and were greatly impacted by him. In his lifetime, he published two compositions which he authored: Halachic Man and The Lonely Man of Faith, but in his later years, and especially following his passing, many more books were published based on notes of his lectures. His profound philosophy served as an inspiration to many.
Enclosed: Two copies of letters from R. Ben Tzion Gershuni on this same matter.
Category
Letters - Lithuanian, Polish and Eretz Israeli Rabbis
Catalogue
Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $2,000
Sold for: $6,875
Including buyer's premium
Manuscript, responsa and halachic novellae, by R. Yehuda son of R. Natan Meyuchas. [Constantinople], 1752-1765.
A complete composition handwritten by the author, with his calligraphic signature in several places. At the top of the first leaf: "This book of writings is by me, the least significant of the group, Yehuda son of R. Natan Meyuchas…". The composition contains responsa and halachic novellae on topics of Choshen Mishpat and Even HaEzer. In many instances, the date of the writing is indicated. "Year 1752", "Iyar 1752", "Adar I 1753", "Rosh Chodesh Sivan 1753", "Shevat 1757", "Cheshvan 1764", and more.
A responsum from 1754 regarding the case of an agunah is recorded on p. [5a]. At the foot of the page, the author writes that he was asked by his illustrious uncle to express his opinion on the matter, as required in such cases, yet a member of the group - R. Yom Tov Ankaoua, preceded him and prepared his own ruling on this case (the illustrious uncle mentioned here is R. Avraham Meyuchas, author of Benei Avraham. R. Yom Tov Ankaoua - a Torah scholar of Constantinople, author of Shevitat Yom Tov, also a close disciple of R. Avraham Meyuchas).
On p. [18a], beside a responsum from 1755, a note in the margins that this question was posed to him by "The great Torah scholar, the exceptional dayan R. Shlomo Shefami" (R. Shlomo Shefami was also a Torah scholar and dayan of Constantinople in those days).
At the end of one responsa (p. [62a]), he writes that this responsum was endorsed by "my teacher and uncle, the great rabbi and all the Torah scholars of the yeshiva", and that this ruling was applied in 1752.
At the top of one passage on p. [63a], he wrote that he copied these teachings from the manuscript of his father R. Natan. He later deleted this passage, and added: "This topic has already been addressed in the book of my father" (probably referring to Responsa Meorot Natan, an unpublished composition which remained in manuscript, located in the Columbia University Library, MS X 893 M 53 Q.
In one place (p. [67a]), he writes: "I found this in the writings of the outstanding Torah scholar… R. Yaakov HaLevi…". This passage was also deleted, and the inscription added: "Written in the book of my father".
The author, R. Yehuda son of R. Natan Meyuchas, was a Torah scholar of Constantinople in the 18th century and a dayan in the Constantinople Beit Din (his signature appears on Beit Din rulings, see: Bornstein-Makovetsky, Constantinople Beit Din Ledger, 1999, according to index). His father R. Natan (mentioned in this manuscript) was one of the city's renowned dayanim, and the brother of R. Avraham Meyuchas, rabbi and chief rabbi of Constantinople, author of Benei Avraham (Constantinople, 1773). R. Yehuda was a disciple of his uncle R. Avraham, and he mentions him several times in this composition. Another manuscript of responsa and novellae by R. Yehuda is extant, from 1752-1782 (NLI MS Heb. 3109).
[147] leaves (including approx. 15 blank leaves). 21 cm. Good condition. Stains and wear. Worming in several places. Original binding, damaged.
A complete composition handwritten by the author, with his calligraphic signature in several places. At the top of the first leaf: "This book of writings is by me, the least significant of the group, Yehuda son of R. Natan Meyuchas…". The composition contains responsa and halachic novellae on topics of Choshen Mishpat and Even HaEzer. In many instances, the date of the writing is indicated. "Year 1752", "Iyar 1752", "Adar I 1753", "Rosh Chodesh Sivan 1753", "Shevat 1757", "Cheshvan 1764", and more.
A responsum from 1754 regarding the case of an agunah is recorded on p. [5a]. At the foot of the page, the author writes that he was asked by his illustrious uncle to express his opinion on the matter, as required in such cases, yet a member of the group - R. Yom Tov Ankaoua, preceded him and prepared his own ruling on this case (the illustrious uncle mentioned here is R. Avraham Meyuchas, author of Benei Avraham. R. Yom Tov Ankaoua - a Torah scholar of Constantinople, author of Shevitat Yom Tov, also a close disciple of R. Avraham Meyuchas).
On p. [18a], beside a responsum from 1755, a note in the margins that this question was posed to him by "The great Torah scholar, the exceptional dayan R. Shlomo Shefami" (R. Shlomo Shefami was also a Torah scholar and dayan of Constantinople in those days).
At the end of one responsa (p. [62a]), he writes that this responsum was endorsed by "my teacher and uncle, the great rabbi and all the Torah scholars of the yeshiva", and that this ruling was applied in 1752.
At the top of one passage on p. [63a], he wrote that he copied these teachings from the manuscript of his father R. Natan. He later deleted this passage, and added: "This topic has already been addressed in the book of my father" (probably referring to Responsa Meorot Natan, an unpublished composition which remained in manuscript, located in the Columbia University Library, MS X 893 M 53 Q.
In one place (p. [67a]), he writes: "I found this in the writings of the outstanding Torah scholar… R. Yaakov HaLevi…". This passage was also deleted, and the inscription added: "Written in the book of my father".
The author, R. Yehuda son of R. Natan Meyuchas, was a Torah scholar of Constantinople in the 18th century and a dayan in the Constantinople Beit Din (his signature appears on Beit Din rulings, see: Bornstein-Makovetsky, Constantinople Beit Din Ledger, 1999, according to index). His father R. Natan (mentioned in this manuscript) was one of the city's renowned dayanim, and the brother of R. Avraham Meyuchas, rabbi and chief rabbi of Constantinople, author of Benei Avraham (Constantinople, 1773). R. Yehuda was a disciple of his uncle R. Avraham, and he mentions him several times in this composition. Another manuscript of responsa and novellae by R. Yehuda is extant, from 1752-1782 (NLI MS Heb. 3109).
[147] leaves (including approx. 15 blank leaves). 21 cm. Good condition. Stains and wear. Worming in several places. Original binding, damaged.
Category
Manuscripts and Glosses - Oriental Rabbis
Catalogue
Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $300
Sold for: $625
Including buyer's premium
Manuscript, bar mitzvah discourse. [Turkey], Elul 1796.
Semi-cursive and cursive Oriental script. The manuscript begins with the heading: "Homily which I composed for the bar mitzvah of my son Yedidi[a?] Yosef Ananou(?), Shabbat Rosh Chodesh Elul 1796, on the day he reached the age of 13 years and one day".
The manuscript contains a lengthy homily in Halacha and Aggadah, including pilpul involving the teachings of Rishonim and Acharonim. On p. [4a], the writer quotes the words of R. Shmuel Modiliano, author of Ne'eman Shmuel and Aruchat Tamid, opening with the following words: "Or one can say according to what the rabbi A.A. (=Adoni Avi? my master and father?) HaRosh wrote in Aruchat Tamid…". He further writes: "And A.A. also wrote there…". The writer's relationship with the author of Aruchat Tamid (who passed away already in 1704) is unclear.
[5] leaves (10 written pages). 21 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains and wear. Detached leaves.
Semi-cursive and cursive Oriental script. The manuscript begins with the heading: "Homily which I composed for the bar mitzvah of my son Yedidi[a?] Yosef Ananou(?), Shabbat Rosh Chodesh Elul 1796, on the day he reached the age of 13 years and one day".
The manuscript contains a lengthy homily in Halacha and Aggadah, including pilpul involving the teachings of Rishonim and Acharonim. On p. [4a], the writer quotes the words of R. Shmuel Modiliano, author of Ne'eman Shmuel and Aruchat Tamid, opening with the following words: "Or one can say according to what the rabbi A.A. (=Adoni Avi? my master and father?) HaRosh wrote in Aruchat Tamid…". He further writes: "And A.A. also wrote there…". The writer's relationship with the author of Aruchat Tamid (who passed away already in 1704) is unclear.
[5] leaves (10 written pages). 21 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains and wear. Detached leaves.
Category
Manuscripts and Glosses - Oriental Rabbis
Catalogue
Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $2,000
Sold for: $2,500
Including buyer's premium
Eliyah Mizrachi, supercommentary to Rashi on the Torah, by R. Eliyahu Mizrachi. Venice: Alvise Bragadin, [1574]. Third edition.
Approximately 50 glosses in Italian cursive script, some particularly lengthy. Some glosses consist of the writer's original novellae and commentaries, and some contain arguments on the words of the author, or proofs substantiating the author's teachings. Apart from the numerous lengthy glosses, there are dozens of corrections to the text, and interlinear additions. On p. 2a - early signature, deleted. On the verso of the last leaf, calligraphic signature (damaged and indistinct) of R. Yisrael Binyamin son of R. Yeshayahu Bassan.
Most of the glosses in this book were presumably written by R. Yeshayahu Bassan (prime teacher of the Ramchal), and some were handwritten by his son R. Yisrael Binyamin Bassan rabbi of Reggio. On p. 74b, an interesting gloss, the beginning of which was presumably written by R. Yeshayahu, and the end apparently by his son R. Yisrael Binyamin. In this gloss, the second writer (the son) brings a correction to the text of Rashi, to resolve the difficulty raised by the first writer (the father), and he writes: "And in the book Imrei Noam (by R. Yaakov di Illescos), I found that he wrote in the name of a scholar who saw that Rashi himself wrote 'batzoret', and the truth is recognizable". In his old age, the second writer added another gloss (in tremulous handwriting), writing that he found this version in an early print of Rashi on the Torah: "And now, in the year 1777, I found a Chumash printed in Lisbon in 1491, with the version 'batzoret', and it is held in the collection of Mr. Moshe Binyamin Foa (of Reggio) amongst his precious books".
The kabbalist R. Yeshayahu Bassan (1673-1734), outstanding Torah and kabbalist, foremost Italian Torah scholar, son-in-law of the elder of Italian rabbis, the Rabach (R. Binyamin HaKohen Vitali). He served as rabbi of Reggio Emilia. He authored Responsa Lachmei Toda. He was the prime teacher of the Ramchal, and the disciple of the Ramchal in Kabbalah. He was involved together with his father-in-law the Rabach in the polemic surrounding his disciple the Ramchal, and they both came to his defense.
His son, R. Yisrael Binyamin Bassan (1701-1790), was his successor as rabbi of Reggio. Childhood companion of R. Moshe Chaim Luzzatto - the Ramchal, and his disciple in Kabbalah. He sent letters during the course of the polemic surrounding the Ramchal (see Igrot Ramchal UBenei Doro). On the occasion of his wedding, the Ramchal wrote a poem in his honor named Migdal Oz (later printed in Leipzig 1837). He published his father's book - Lachmei Toda (Venice, 1741), which includes a few of his responsa.
A map of Eretz Israel is presented on p. 235a.
261, 260-266 leaves. 31 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains and wear. Dampstains and traces of past dampness (to most leaves), with mold to some leaves. Minor worming. Tears to title page and other leaves, repaired with paper. Early leather binding, with gilt ornaments to spine. Damage to binding and spine. On the endpaper, dedication in German dated 1908, to R. Kalonymus Rothschild, teacher and director of the boys' school in Hamburg.
Approximately 50 glosses in Italian cursive script, some particularly lengthy. Some glosses consist of the writer's original novellae and commentaries, and some contain arguments on the words of the author, or proofs substantiating the author's teachings. Apart from the numerous lengthy glosses, there are dozens of corrections to the text, and interlinear additions. On p. 2a - early signature, deleted. On the verso of the last leaf, calligraphic signature (damaged and indistinct) of R. Yisrael Binyamin son of R. Yeshayahu Bassan.
Most of the glosses in this book were presumably written by R. Yeshayahu Bassan (prime teacher of the Ramchal), and some were handwritten by his son R. Yisrael Binyamin Bassan rabbi of Reggio. On p. 74b, an interesting gloss, the beginning of which was presumably written by R. Yeshayahu, and the end apparently by his son R. Yisrael Binyamin. In this gloss, the second writer (the son) brings a correction to the text of Rashi, to resolve the difficulty raised by the first writer (the father), and he writes: "And in the book Imrei Noam (by R. Yaakov di Illescos), I found that he wrote in the name of a scholar who saw that Rashi himself wrote 'batzoret', and the truth is recognizable". In his old age, the second writer added another gloss (in tremulous handwriting), writing that he found this version in an early print of Rashi on the Torah: "And now, in the year 1777, I found a Chumash printed in Lisbon in 1491, with the version 'batzoret', and it is held in the collection of Mr. Moshe Binyamin Foa (of Reggio) amongst his precious books".
The kabbalist R. Yeshayahu Bassan (1673-1734), outstanding Torah and kabbalist, foremost Italian Torah scholar, son-in-law of the elder of Italian rabbis, the Rabach (R. Binyamin HaKohen Vitali). He served as rabbi of Reggio Emilia. He authored Responsa Lachmei Toda. He was the prime teacher of the Ramchal, and the disciple of the Ramchal in Kabbalah. He was involved together with his father-in-law the Rabach in the polemic surrounding his disciple the Ramchal, and they both came to his defense.
His son, R. Yisrael Binyamin Bassan (1701-1790), was his successor as rabbi of Reggio. Childhood companion of R. Moshe Chaim Luzzatto - the Ramchal, and his disciple in Kabbalah. He sent letters during the course of the polemic surrounding the Ramchal (see Igrot Ramchal UBenei Doro). On the occasion of his wedding, the Ramchal wrote a poem in his honor named Migdal Oz (later printed in Leipzig 1837). He published his father's book - Lachmei Toda (Venice, 1741), which includes a few of his responsa.
A map of Eretz Israel is presented on p. 235a.
261, 260-266 leaves. 31 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains and wear. Dampstains and traces of past dampness (to most leaves), with mold to some leaves. Minor worming. Tears to title page and other leaves, repaired with paper. Early leather binding, with gilt ornaments to spine. Damage to binding and spine. On the endpaper, dedication in German dated 1908, to R. Kalonymus Rothschild, teacher and director of the boys' school in Hamburg.
Category
Manuscripts and Glosses - Oriental Rabbis
Catalogue
Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $5,000
Unsold
Mishneh Torah by the Rambam, with the Migdal Oz commentary by R. Shem Tov ibn Gaon, with Hagahot Maimoniot. Part II. [Venice: Justinian, 1550-1551].
The book is annotated with dozens of brief glosses and corrections in early Yemenite script, identified by researchers as the handwriting of R. Shalom Shabazi, leading Yemenite Torah scholar.
R. Shalom Shabazi - the Rashash (1619-1695), known amongst Yemenite Jewry as "Abba". Leading Yemenite poet, a righteous wonder-worker, outstanding Torah scholar and kabbalist, a most revered personage amongst Yemenite Jewry. He was born in Najd Al-Walid village near Taiz, southern Yemen, to the Mashta family, a distinguished family of rabbis and Torah scholars. In his youth, he travelled to Sana'a, where he was exposed to its Torah scholars and studied in its yeshivot. He later returned to Taiz where he lived and was active until his passing. R. Shalom Shabazi was tremendously proficient in all realms of the Torah, whether in revealed or hidden parts, in Kabbalah and in philosophy, and was one of the most prolific writers in his generation. He also dealt in practical Kabbalah and in astronomy. He was primarily renowned for his many poems and piyyutim, numbering over one thousand, of which over five hundred are extant today, and which contained profound kabbalistic allusions and secrets. His poems and piyyutim accompany Yemenite Jewry during their Shabbat and festivals, and at every ceremony and stage of their lives.
Stories of wonders and miracles he performed abound amongst the Yemenites. Allegedly, he would miraculously travel every week to spend Shabbat in Eretz Israel, sometimes in Jerusalem, others in Tiberias, Acre or Hebron, and when the Shabbat ended, he would return to Yemen. R. Yaakov Sapir, who visited Yemen, reported that he saw in one of R. Shalom Shabazi's compositions an explicit reference to this phenomenon: "I was in Jerusalem and I saw such and such a sight, and in Safed such and such…". In one of his poems, he writes: "My heart is in Yemen, only my soul flew to Eretz Israel, crying longingly like a doe". He is renowned for the wonders he performed to bring salvation to the people, as well as for his exceptional abilities to cure the sick, help barren women conceive, etc. He composed a work on practical Kabbalah named Goral HaChol, to prevent the Jews of his generation from turning to non-Jewish wonder-workers. His gravesite in Taiz is considered a holy pilgrimage site, visited every year by Yemenite Jewry.
Incomplete copy: 394-494, 496-534 leaves (lacking: title page and leaves 535-767, [5]). Contains the books: Haflaa-Tahara, without the books Nezikin-Shoftim. 39 cm. Fair condition. Stains. Worming affecting text, and tears. Large tears to first and last few leaves, affecting text with some loss. Binding damaged and detached.
The handwriting was identified as that of R. Shalom Shabazi by Prof. Aharon Gaimani and the researcher Yoel Oshri from the Department of Jewish History, Bar Ilan University (report enclosed).
The book is annotated with dozens of brief glosses and corrections in early Yemenite script, identified by researchers as the handwriting of R. Shalom Shabazi, leading Yemenite Torah scholar.
R. Shalom Shabazi - the Rashash (1619-1695), known amongst Yemenite Jewry as "Abba". Leading Yemenite poet, a righteous wonder-worker, outstanding Torah scholar and kabbalist, a most revered personage amongst Yemenite Jewry. He was born in Najd Al-Walid village near Taiz, southern Yemen, to the Mashta family, a distinguished family of rabbis and Torah scholars. In his youth, he travelled to Sana'a, where he was exposed to its Torah scholars and studied in its yeshivot. He later returned to Taiz where he lived and was active until his passing. R. Shalom Shabazi was tremendously proficient in all realms of the Torah, whether in revealed or hidden parts, in Kabbalah and in philosophy, and was one of the most prolific writers in his generation. He also dealt in practical Kabbalah and in astronomy. He was primarily renowned for his many poems and piyyutim, numbering over one thousand, of which over five hundred are extant today, and which contained profound kabbalistic allusions and secrets. His poems and piyyutim accompany Yemenite Jewry during their Shabbat and festivals, and at every ceremony and stage of their lives.
Stories of wonders and miracles he performed abound amongst the Yemenites. Allegedly, he would miraculously travel every week to spend Shabbat in Eretz Israel, sometimes in Jerusalem, others in Tiberias, Acre or Hebron, and when the Shabbat ended, he would return to Yemen. R. Yaakov Sapir, who visited Yemen, reported that he saw in one of R. Shalom Shabazi's compositions an explicit reference to this phenomenon: "I was in Jerusalem and I saw such and such a sight, and in Safed such and such…". In one of his poems, he writes: "My heart is in Yemen, only my soul flew to Eretz Israel, crying longingly like a doe". He is renowned for the wonders he performed to bring salvation to the people, as well as for his exceptional abilities to cure the sick, help barren women conceive, etc. He composed a work on practical Kabbalah named Goral HaChol, to prevent the Jews of his generation from turning to non-Jewish wonder-workers. His gravesite in Taiz is considered a holy pilgrimage site, visited every year by Yemenite Jewry.
Incomplete copy: 394-494, 496-534 leaves (lacking: title page and leaves 535-767, [5]). Contains the books: Haflaa-Tahara, without the books Nezikin-Shoftim. 39 cm. Fair condition. Stains. Worming affecting text, and tears. Large tears to first and last few leaves, affecting text with some loss. Binding damaged and detached.
The handwriting was identified as that of R. Shalom Shabazi by Prof. Aharon Gaimani and the researcher Yoel Oshri from the Department of Jewish History, Bar Ilan University (report enclosed).
Category
Manuscripts and Glosses - Oriental Rabbis
Catalogue
Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $400
Unsold
Ratzuf Ahava, novellae on the Talmud and Tosafot, by R. Shlomo Algazi. Verona, 1649. First edition.
Several glosses in Sephardic script. One of them signed: "Shmuel Tovi—". Two signatures and ownership inscriptions in Sephardic script on the title page: "Mine… Shlomo son of R. Chaim Yehuda". "Mine for the service of my Creator, with my strength and wealth, Menachem HaLevi".
R. Shlomo son of R. Chaim son of R. Yehuda of Salonika (d. Purim 1769), grandson of R. Shlomo Amarilio. Novellae in his name are quoted by his colleague R. Elazar Nahmias who refers to him as "The complete scholar, R. Shlomo Chaim" (Hon Rav, leaf 158, 2). His epitaph in Salonica reads: "The complete scholar, pious and modest, R. Shlomo son of R. Chaim Yehuda" (Matzevot Saloniki p. 727; Beit HaAlmin shel Yehudei Saloniki, p. 463).
[1], 19, 25-32, 37-44, 41-152, [1] leaves. Mispagination. 19.5 cm. Fair-poor condition. Some leaves in fair condition. Stains and extensive wear. Severe dampstains to some leaves. Worming. Marginal creases. Only back cover remains, damaged, with worming.
Several glosses in Sephardic script. One of them signed: "Shmuel Tovi—". Two signatures and ownership inscriptions in Sephardic script on the title page: "Mine… Shlomo son of R. Chaim Yehuda". "Mine for the service of my Creator, with my strength and wealth, Menachem HaLevi".
R. Shlomo son of R. Chaim son of R. Yehuda of Salonika (d. Purim 1769), grandson of R. Shlomo Amarilio. Novellae in his name are quoted by his colleague R. Elazar Nahmias who refers to him as "The complete scholar, R. Shlomo Chaim" (Hon Rav, leaf 158, 2). His epitaph in Salonica reads: "The complete scholar, pious and modest, R. Shlomo son of R. Chaim Yehuda" (Matzevot Saloniki p. 727; Beit HaAlmin shel Yehudei Saloniki, p. 463).
[1], 19, 25-32, 37-44, 41-152, [1] leaves. Mispagination. 19.5 cm. Fair-poor condition. Some leaves in fair condition. Stains and extensive wear. Severe dampstains to some leaves. Worming. Marginal creases. Only back cover remains, damaged, with worming.
Category
Manuscripts and Glosses - Oriental Rabbis
Catalogue